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What Is a 529 Plan?
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529 Plan
Saving for a brighter future.
Give your kids the opportunity to attend the college they want by putting together a plan that will help you start saving before they even start taking their first step.
Start planningWhat is a 529 plan?
A 529 plan is one of the most popular ways to save for college, or it can be used for elementary or high school tuition, too.1 Just about every state sponsors a plan, so no matter where you live in the U.S. (and as long as you're a citizen) you can save in any state's plan. Even better all contributions grow tax-deferred, and the earnings can be withdrawn tax-free, as long as it's for qualified expenses such as tuition, books, supplies, and other costs. Our advisors can help you navigate the requirements, benefits, and tax implications, so you can make the right choices for your family.
Get startedSave $100k
If you place $250 a month in a 529 plan for your newborn, by the time they're 18 you'll have socked away quite a lot.2
The benefits of 529 plans
Tax advantaged
All the money you put in will grow tax-deferred, and withdraws are free from federal income tax, as long as the money is used for qualified education expenses.
Less impact on financial aid
When calculating financial aid, 529s are considered a parent's asset so it's weighted less than if it was the student's asset. So your child could qualify for more aid like scholarships, grants, and loans, if needed.
More flexibility
There are no income or age restrictions, so just about anyone can open and fund an account—parents, grandparents, other relatives, even family friends.
Greater control
The account owner makes sure the money goes toward qualified costs and can transfer unused funds to another beneficiary (e.g., a family member of the original beneficiary).
What's the difference between 529s and other college savings plans?
A key part of any education savings strategy should be the use of tax-advantaged savings accounts. The right option for you will depend on your income and family's needs.
529 savings account
You can use the money for college, elementary or high school, and earnings will grow federal income tax deferred, and withdrawals taken to pay for qualified expenses are also free from federal income taxes.
Coverdell savings account
Help cover the costs of kindergarten through 12th grade, or college. Like 529s, they grow tax deferred, however, there's a $2,000 yearly contribution limit and those with higher incomes might not be eligible.
Uniform gifts & transfers account
Known as UGMA/UTMAs, they let parents (and others) gift money to children. Earnings are taxed at the minor's tax rate, and unlike a 529 or Coverdell account, the money can be used for college or anything else.
Who can contribute to a 529 plan?
Anyone who lives in the United States and is aged 18 and over can open an account and put in money—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, even friends. So instead of giving a traditional gift on holidays, birthdays, or special occasions, you can encourage friends and family to contribute to your child's education. Starting early is key. Even if you feel like most of your disposable income goes to disposable diapers, the more you sock away, the more your savings will have a chance to grow.
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Our financial advisors will help you create a college savings plan, including a 529 so your children can go to the school (or schools) they want.
It's easy to get started—no commitment, just a conversation.